Another sample from the swap with Meghann – thank you! I’m intrigued by the plum flavor billed on this one, as it’s a fruit that can taste so different depending on the variety and ripeness.

The dry leaves are very pretty, with bright red chunks sprinkled among the light green tea. The smell is fresh and fruity/berry-like, so a good start so far. Recommended parameters call for a long steeping time, so I’m giving it six minutes at 185. The resulting liquor is gorgeous – a clear and light pink that looks very much like plum wine. Aroma still following the fruity and sweet trail…

The taste is tart, but stops before becoming unpleasantly sour. There is a dim background flavor of white tea, but I’m getting fruity (berry and yes, plum) flavors for the most part. Overall it’s a pretty tea but not one I’d need on a regular basis. Glad I had a chance to try it though!

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Grandma introduced me to tea as a kid (lipton with milk and sugar; a bit poured into the saucer to cool it down and then sipped from there), and I’ve never looked back. Still have a slight preference for teas that go well with milk (or even better, cream) and sugar, but since Grandma’s day I’ve branched out to appreciate green and white teas, rooibos and pu erh. Absolutely love Mariage Freres!